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Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe with Crispy Cheese Crust Easy and Best

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole - featured image
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A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a golden crispy cheese crust, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente and drained
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% for lighter version)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or bake about 2 large chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups).
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of chicken broth while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer; the sauce should thicken within 3-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream if using, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce together until evenly coated. Stir in mushrooms if using.
  7. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle the top with 1 cup mozzarella, 1 cup sharp cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown with a crispy crust.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy noodles after baking. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and crispy crust. Rest casserole for 5 minutes after baking to thicken sauce. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Rotisserie chicken can save prep time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, casserole, creamy chicken, cheesy crust, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-chicken-tetrazzini-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-cheese-crust-easy-and-best/